RUMINATING ON THE RUN

Eugene Marathon Base Building: Week Two

Week two was more cross-training than running. Overall, feel yoga is providing great strength and flexibility training. Really enjoyed the personal trainer session. Each session with her helps me build muscle to support running, and trains my body to stay in proper alignment while working. Only one more day of the year to possibly log some running miles!

Tuesday: Run. Quick, short run in park at dusk on Christmas day. So beautiful on a chilly day as the sky got dark and the buildings lit up.

4.06 mi – 33:52 – 8:20 min/mi avg pace

Wednesday: Run. Quick and easy pre- and post-yoga runs on treadmill.

2.0 mi – 17:00 – 8:28 min/mi avg pace

1.0 mi – 8:52 – 8:52 min/mi avg pace

Anusara Yoga for 60 minutes. Lovely class. Nice balance between Anusara (holding poses longer, concentrating on correct form) and Vinyasa (flowing through a sequence). Poses focused on deepening breath, moving with intention, and twisting. A lot of hip opening and side stretching. Liked straight-leg pigeon pose, which took pressure off knees. Instructor had tips for getting a better hamstring stretch.

Thursday: Vinyasa Yoga for 60 minutes. Different instructor than other Vinyasa classes I’ve tried at the gym. Class felt challenging at first – possibly because I’d been to yoga the evening before. Body was quaking supporting own weight in downward dog. As class progressed the sequences became more strenuous, and my body adapted. By end, downward dog felt like a recovery pose! Fantastic strength & flexibility workout.

Sunday: Run. Treadmill run in PA. Snow on Saturday was a sheet of ice Sunday. Took my run indoors to avoid injury. Intended to do 10 miles, but only gave myself enough time to run 8. Gym at my parent’s place felt like running mid-summer: so hot! At least I got in the majority of the miles I’d planned. Staying on track when I’m not home is never that easy.